NEWSLETTER

OUR MISSION: To preserve the natural and cultural heritage of El Charco del Ingenio, and maintain a botanical garden dedicated to the conservation and study of regional flora and ecosystems, with a primary focus on environmental education.

As environmental author Kenneth Brower writes, “The notion that science will save us is the chimera that allows the present generation to consume all the resources it wants, as if no generations will follow. It is the sedative that allows civilization to march so steadfastly toward environmental catastrophe. It forestalls the real solution, which will be in the hard, nontechnical work of changing human behavior.”

Naomi Klein, This Changes Everything: Capitalism Vs. The Climate

COP 21 in Paris. LAST CALL?

During the first days of December 2015 the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP21) will be held in Paris, France, and will bring together heads of state, officials, scientists, experts, environmentalists, businessmen ... to discuss the pressing issue of global warming caused by the proliferation in the atmosphere of greenhouse gases. Years have been spent in denial of climate change, driven primarily by strong global economic interests related to the extraction and use of fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal ...). The reality of global warming is undeniable from scientific evidence, with alarming consequences (droughts, floods, cyclones, etc.), which affect millions of people in the poorest regions of the Earth. During previous conferences on the subject (Rio de Janeiro, Kyoto, Copenhagen), industrialized countries, responsible for almost all of the emissions, have been reluctant to reduce them effectively, putting the model of unlimited economic growth ahead of what is best for the planet. There seems to be consensus that a further increase in temperature can cause unpredictable effects and lead to real environmental catastrophe that compromises human life on the planet. And yet there seems to be no real will of the powerful to make the changes necessary to avoid imminent collapse. What will happen this December in Paris?

MEMBERSHIP PARTY – SPECIAL OFFER

To renew or become a member of El Charco
December 2nd 6-9p.m. Posada Corazon (Aldama 9, Centro)

Join us at one of the most beautiful B&Bs and urban orchard in town for wine, botanas and live music offered by Posada Corazon. We are extending a discount to everyone who either renews their membership that evening or becomes a new member. Instead of the usual 700pesos, this evening supporting El Charco as a member will be only 600pesos for a one year membership for you and two other people to enjoy free entrance. Membership has other rewards as well such as receiving discounts to events and workshops. Board members, including the President, Cesar Arias, and staff members including our Directors will be attending as well and if you have any comments, questions or suggestions, they will be available for a discussion. This is a wonderful opportunity to help sustain one of San Miguel’s jewels and enjoy yourself at the same time. Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there.

Five Reasons to be a member of the Botanical Garden:

❂ Knowing that we are helping to protect more than 150 species of birds, 32 of mammals, 110 of butterflies and over 500 species of native flora.
❂ proud to support environmental education and a growing environmental awareness in relation to our geographic region.
❂ Free access to the Nature Reserve Botanical Garden any day of the year.
❂Free access for two accompanying guests at any time.
❂ Able to call El Charco del Ingenio, this "sanctuary of peace", our home.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON A SCULPTURE FOR EL CHARCO

As we have reported in previous issues of this Newsletter, El Charco will have as part of its attractions a panoramic sculpture designed by renowned German artist Wilhelm Holderied, whose work is characterized by a creative and dynamic dialogue with nature (http://www.wilhelm-holderied.de/index.php/index.html). In late November construction of the sculpture began by placing the "first stone".

The project generously offered by the artist is a structure, integrated into the natural landscape, in the shape of a maze, which is also a celestial observatory of major astronomical dates. "The House of Starlight" will be the name of this structure interacting with the native vegetation of the Garden, which will join the rest of the attractions of El Charco. In addition to this generous offer by the artist Holderied, fundraising efforts and construction of the project are supported by external developers, such as Sergio Chazaro and Eduardo Adame. Phyllis Pitluga, astronomer emeritus of the Chicago Planetarium and Marco Barrera, curator and renowned museographer, will also advise on the project. We hope to inaugurate this monumental sculpture for the Autumn equinox in 2016 as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Botanical Garden.

WELLS AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE AQUIFER

A well is a vertical hole in the ground used for the extraction of groundwater. It is customary to classify wells as shallow or deep, the latter depending on the depth of the aquifer.

The aquifer is the underground geological formation capable of storing and transmitting water, transporting it from the areas of recharge to those of discharge, which may be lakes, rivers, springs, swamps, etc.

Worldwide, the main source of fresh water comes from aquifers. An aquifer that is overexploited, means that it has exceeded the amount of water that can be drawn from it, with regard to that entering from the infiltration of rain. One way of knowing if an aquifer is in trouble is the disappearance of springs and marshes, as well as the concentration of mineral elements such as fluoride, sodium and arsenic, among others.

In the case of aquifers in San Miguel de Allende, this volume has been exceeded for many years, so the opening of new wells and the extraction of water for agricultural irrigation, recreation and such, are no longer viable. It is urgent to have public policies that reduce extraction, promote rainwater collection, and enforce low water consumption crops and irrigation techniques. Saving as much water as possible is an incontestable necessity. Are we as a society willing to do it and to demand it of the authorities?

TIGRIDIA: AN AMAZING FLOWER

Also known as Tiger Flower, this plant has large and attractive flowers. It is an genus of bulbous plants in the family Iridaceae, which has about 35 species distributed from Chile to Mexico. Tigridia Pavonia species, often grown as an ornamental plant, is particularly beautiful. Its name refers to the spots that can be seen in the base of the petals, like its name in Nahuatl (Oceloxochitl or "jaguar flower "). It blooms from September to November, at the end or middle of the rainy season. Each flower lasts only one day, although several flowers may open successively. The plants of these species grow and bloom during the warm season, and are dormant during the cold, dry winter months.

END OF YEAR ACTIVITIES

Bird-watching Tours

Every first and third Wednesday of the month, 9 am – 11:30 am. English Cost: 100 pesos general public | 60 pesos El Charco members
Guides include Signe Hammer, Norman Besman, Luke Rich and Michael Wheatcroft.
The walks are for birders of all levels. They begin at 9:00 am and last about 2 1/2 hours. No reservations needed, and feel free to leave the walk at any time. Please bring binoculars, wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, and bring water. Your guide will meet you after you pass through the Reception area of the Botanical Garden.

Come and bird watch with us – you’ll be surprised!!

TOURS IN SPANISH available. Saturday 10 & 24th, at 8a.m.

Info.:charcodelingeniocomunicacion@gmail.com

Guided Tours in El Charco

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am| in English
Duration: two hours Cost: $80 pesos, members $50

Visit the Conservatory of Mexican Plants, the Scented Garden and the canyon, archeological ruins and much more. We recommend you wear sunscreen, and bring a hat.

Don’t forget the free transportation from town to El Charco on these days.

THE FULL MOON CEREMONY

Friday, December 25 7p.m.| admission 30pesos

We invite everyone to this open celebration that has been taking place for many years during the full moon cycle at the Four Winds Plaza in the Botanical Garden under the always surprising direction of Alicia Mayo. It’s worth arriving a little early to admire the setting of the sun and the appearance of the moon over the mountains. You may want to bring a coat for cool evenings and you may bring a musical instrument.

This sweat-lodge steam bath, of ritual and healing character, takes place under the direction of an experienced temazcal leader in the ruins of the hacienda located in the Botanical Garden on the far side of the reservoir.
The combination of heat, humidity and fragrant herbs provides a purifying experience for the body and spirit. Its benefits are multiple: it activates circulation, increases the body’s defenses, eliminates pains, decreases uric acid, relaxes the muscles, regulates the nervous system, stimulates respiration and is excellent for losing weight.

We suggest bringing a flashlight for when you go from the temazal to the reception

FREE TRANSPORTATION TO THE BOTANICAL GARDEN FROM THE HISTORICAL CENTER

COMING TO EL CHARCO BY TAXI?

Some of visitors use taxis for transportation to the Botanical Garden. However, some may have doubts about how to return to town. We remind all our visitors and users that El Charco has an agreement with radio taxis company of San Miguel for safe transfer from El Charco to the center or other parts of the city. Just ask for a taxi at the reception Garden. The fee for the return trip is 60 pesos-a little more than one-way fare to Charco from the center, which should not be more than 40 pesos. We recommend you and the driver agree on the fare before boarding the taxi.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Throughout its existence, El Charco has published several books and pamphlets in Spanish and English, on flora and natural resources of the reserve and the region of San Miguel de Allende. To these, other publications by researchers and scientific institutions on related subjects have been added. All are issues of great interest and quality, and are on sale at the Gift Shop.

Click on the book for more information about it.

At the Cafeteria…

Try our delicious banana bread.

In the Gift Shop…

Six reasons to eat locally:

1. Transform the political reality of the country.
2. Promote a more equitable economy.
3. Support families and help them thrive independently.
4. Generate self-esteem and strength, security, peace and happiness to small entrepreneurs.
5. Struggle against monopolies and help build a more just country.
6. Promote social justice, solidarity and care for the environment.